Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Tetanus Vaccine

Tetanus Vaccine for Travel

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Tetanus

Tetanus is introduced into the body through a puncture wound such as a laceration, burn or scratch. Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by bacteria called Clostridium tetani and is present as spores in soil and manure. Tetanus spores are found throughout the world. Vaccination is recommended at least every 10 years.

Vaccination Pricing

£39 Per dose
£39 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

  • Spasms involving skeletal muscles. Lock-jaw and a stiff neck are common

  • Abnormal breathing

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Death occurs in 10-20% of cases

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
6 – 85 1** – Up to day before* See specialist pharmacist

*Vaccine at its most effective when given more time to become active. If given up to the day before travel, some immunity will be provided for your trip.
**Children who have have already been immunised with the NHS childhood vaccination program

Tetanus is a rare but serious disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and manure, and can enter the body through cuts, puncture wounds, burns, or animal bites. Once inside the body, the bacteria release a powerful neurotoxin known as tetanospasmin, which affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms. Unlike many infectious diseases, tetanus is not spread from person to person; it is contracted when the bacteria enter through a break in the skin. The condition can be life-threatening, particularly if not treated promptly, as it can interfere with breathing and lead to complications such as pneumonia or heart problems. Tetanus is preventable through vaccination, which provides long-lasting protection and has significantly reduced cases in the UK and other countries with routine immunisation programmes.

Tetanus does not spread between people; instead, it enters the body through skin wounds contaminated with Clostridium tetani spores. These spores thrive in environments with little or no oxygen, such as deep puncture wounds, animal bites, burns, or wounds contaminated with soil, dust, or manure. Even seemingly minor injuries, such as splinters or insect bites, can be a source of infection if not properly cleaned. The best way to prevent tetanus is through vaccination. In the UK, the tetanus vaccine is part of the NHS routine childhood immunisation schedule and is included in the 6-in-1 and 4-in-1 vaccines. A full course of five doses provides long-term protection, although booster doses are sometimes recommended after an injury or before travelling to areas where access to emergency medical care is limited. Proper wound care—cleaning cuts thoroughly and seeking medical advice for deeper or dirty wounds—is also essential in reducing the risk of tetanus infection.

Symptoms of tetanus typically begin around 4 to 21 days after infection, though they can appear as soon as a few days or as late as several weeks. The first signs are often muscle stiffness and spasms in the jaw, known as “lockjaw”, which can make it difficult to open the mouth or swallow. As the toxin spreads, it affects other muscles in the body, leading to stiffness in the neck, difficulty breathing, painful muscle spasms, and generalised muscle rigidity. These spasms can be triggered by minimal stimuli such as noise, light, or touch, and can be severe enough to cause bone fractures or respiratory failure. Other symptoms may include fever, sweating, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Without prompt treatment in a hospital setting, tetanus can be fatal. Early intervention with antitoxins, antibiotics, and supportive care is essential to improving outcomes.

The tetanus vaccine provides excellent protection when given as part of the UK’s routine immunisation programme. A full course consists of five doses: three primary doses given in infancy and two booster doses, one during early childhood and another during adolescence. This provides long-term protection, typically lasting for at least 20 years. In most cases, no further boosters are required unless the person sustains a high-risk wound or is travelling to an area where tetanus is more prevalent and access to emergency care may be delayed. In such situations, a booster may be offered if it has been more than ten years since the last dose. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing illness and is usually given in combination with protection against other diseases, such as diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), for broad-spectrum immunity.

Tetanus is a global health risk, as the bacteria that cause it are found in soil and the environment worldwide. Unlike diseases that spread from person to person, tetanus does not rely on outbreaks or population immunity, meaning the risk exists in virtually every country. However, it is more common in developing countries where vaccination rates are lower and access to prompt medical treatment is limited. Travellers to rural or remote areas of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, or the Middle East are especially advised to ensure their tetanus vaccination is up to date. This is particularly important if travel activities may involve close contact with animals, outdoor sports, hiking, or work involving manual labour. Even short visits can pose a risk if an injury occurs in an area with limited healthcare services, so having the vaccine beforehand is a sensible precaution for most international travellers.

The tetanus vaccine is safe and widely used, with most side effects being mild and short-lived. The most common reactions are soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which usually subside within a day or two. Some people may experience mild fever, headache, fatigue, or general malaise. These symptoms are generally a sign of the immune system responding appropriately. Serious side effects are extremely rare, but as with any vaccine, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which medical professionals are trained to manage quickly. The vaccine is suitable for most people and is routinely offered to both children and adults. Because it is usually administered in combination with other vaccines—such as diphtheria and pertussis—some individuals may experience slightly stronger side effects, but these remain uncommon. Overall, the benefits of tetanus vaccination in preventing a potentially deadly disease far outweigh the minimal risks associated with side effects.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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